Colberg appointed state attorney general

Frontiersman

PALMER - Gov. Sarah Palin appointed another Valley resident to her Cabinet on Wednesday when she named former Mat-Su Borough Assembly member Talis Colberg to fill the state's attorney general position.

Colberg is the latest in a growing line of Valley residents heading to Juneau in new leadership roles. Including the governor, Joe Schmidt, the former superintendent of the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm, took over as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Corrections, and Sen. Lyda Green, a Valley Republican, became the Senate president.

Colberg, a worker compensation lawyer, said his appointment was &#8220pretty unexpected.”

&#8220This is truly an amazing moment and it's not something I planned for,” Colberg said.

The Palmer resident's lack of connections to big oil companies or lobbying firms put him over the top with Palin.

&#8220I focused on new in terms of a fresh start that we need here in Alaska,” Palin said. &#8220Talis has no personal agenda or baggage.”

Palin compared the fresh, unbiased start Colberg will provide with past attorney generals who were involved with oil companies or came from outside Alaska before their time in office, she said. And even though Colberg is largely unknown in the government's inner circles, Palin said, he has a good, solid legal background.

&#8220He's a fine character and a great legal mind,” Palin said.

Since he was taken by surprise with his appointment, Colberg said he won't be going into the position with any predetermined projects, but wants to serve the governor as best he can.

&#8220I will do what the governor says to do,” Colberg said. &#8220And I will do my best to try and make it work for her.”

Two tasks Palin said will need attention right away are ethics reform and the proposed gas line, issues Palin hit on consistently during her campaign.

And for those who think Palin may be favoring Valley residents to fill positions on her cabinet, Palin said only two of 14 cabinet members she appointed are from the Valley.

&#8220I considered good Alaskans from all over the state,” Palin said.

Colberg said he doesn't see himself leaving his current home, hoping to use the Anchorage office when not in session in Juneau. The matter is not resolved, Colberg said, adding that a daughter in middle school and other local attachments would make a permanent move to Juneau unlikely.

&#8220If it means getting a second home, that is what it would be,” he said.

The attorney general's office is a part of the Alaska government executive branch. According to the offices' state Web site, the attorney general is the legal counsel to the governor and other state officials. The position also is in charge of prosecuting criminal law.

Contact Michael Rovito at 352-2252 or michael.rovito@frontiersman.com.